Authorities search for survivors in Tawi-Tawi boat accident

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities are still searching for three more people who were among the passengers from a motorboat that capsized off Tawi-Tawi Wednesday afternoon, killing seven people, its provincial chief of police said.

Senior Superintendent Rodelio Jocson said MT Sarina capsized after being battered by huge waves off Barangay (village) Bakong in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi around 3 p.m. Wednesday.

He said seven people were killed, while 15 others were rescued, from the boat that had 25 passengers on their way to Bongao.

“Malalaki yung alon,” he said, adding that this was caused by a storm surge “commonly” experienced in their province.

“Maganda yung panahon tapos bigla bigla nalang nagdidilim talaga kahit wala namang bagyo,” Jocson said.

Among the rescued victims, Jocson said, was a 9-month-old baby.